Read More

There’s a strong suggestion that unlike a Moses basket, or a cot, the boxes prevent babies from rolling onto their tummies, where they are more at risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

The baby box tradition in Finland is believed to have helped cut infant mortality rates in the country from 65 per 1000 in 1938, to 2.3 in 2015.

Ireland’s infant mortality rate is currently 3.7 per 1,000 births.

Contents of a Finnish baby box

Parents who recieve the box will also have access to the 'Baby Box University', which promises to be easy to follow and available in multiple languages.

Helen McLoughlin from Wexford General Hospital commented: “Educating parents on how to care for themselves and their baby during the pregnancy and after is at the centre of the Baby Box initiative.

"We are aiming to encourage every new mother to sign up to the Baby Box University and receive a free Baby Box.

"This will facilitate us in educating parents on good health in pregnancy, encourage safe sleep practice and to highlight when and where to look for help and advice."

Baby box (Image: SWNS)

Allison Bone from the Special Care Baby Unity at the hospital added: “The overriding message is to encourage mothers to be to always trust their instinct and to seek help and advice.

"We will place the parents at the centre of our project for its future development. We have the ability to update or change any of the content in line with changes in practice and by listening to what the mums to be want and need.

"We are grateful to each and every healthcare professional involved in the provision of the education videos for the parents, they embraced the concept so willingly”.

A pilot Baby Box scheme was rolled out at University Hospital Limerick last August.